Pochettino explains importance of Tottenham midfielder

Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino has called French midfielder Moussa Sissoko one of his most important players.

Sissoko, 28, joined Tottenham from Newcastle United in the summer of 2016.

The midfielder has largely struggled to make his mark at Spurs, with a series of unconvincing performances leading to criticism from the club’s own supporters.

Pochettino, however, has paid tribute to the qualities of the former Toulouse youngster.

Indeed, the Tottenham boss has claimed that there is not another player in his squad that offers what Sissoko does when it comes to balance in the ‘transitions’.

Pochettino told reporters:

“He has been one of our most important players, You have to give the credit to him because he is the only player who gives or provides balance in those transitions – offensive to defensive, defensive to offensive – in the team.

“There is no other player in the team who can provide that. This is the best quality he provides to the team.”

Sissoko has scored twice and provided three assists in 32 appearances in all competitions for Tottenham during the 2017-18 campaign.

Spurs will attempt to book their spot in the fifth round of the FA Cup when they travel to Newport County on Saturday night.

Sissoko, who is valued at £18m by transfermarkt.co.uk, is expected to be in the team for the fourth-round clash against the League Two outfit.